Chez Panisse

useful links

Official Site (chezpanisse.com)

Alice Waters may not be as well known as the Jean Georges Vongerichtens or the Gordon Ramseys of this world but she is arguably a more influential figure in culinary circles, a women credited as a co-founder of California cuisine. Her charming Berkley restaurant, Chez Panisse, has garnered numerous accolades since it opened in 1971, yet it still has the feel of a welcoming neighbourhood restaurant, rather than that of a solemn temple to fine dining. A vine-covered exterior houses two restaurants, an upstairs cafe that is open all day and a smaller downstairs dining room, only open in the evening that operates a daily changing prix fixe menu. Flavours are clean and simple, fresh and composed from exceptional seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients (Waters is a champion of the slow food movement as well as vocal advocate for making good use of local resources).

The menu at Chez Panisse has been known to feature uncomplicated, but impeccably executed fare such as Gulf shrimp saute with basil and hot pepper and Grilled Paine Farm squab with garden lettuces, squab liver toast, fried onions, and roasted figs. Desserts tend to have a light, summery feel, like Wildflower honey crepes with toasted almond ice cream and Royal Blenheim apricot tart. This place is a true California institution serving food to feel good about, booking several weeks ahead is a necessity, but the wait is worth it.

 - Alinea
 - Babbo
 - French Laundry
 - Haerlin
 - Jean Georges
 - Le Bernardin
 - Le Galipanier
 - Le Louis XV
 - St John
 - The Waterside Inn
 - Fire Restaurant
 - Gordon Ramsay's
 - Tetsuya's
 - Sketch
 - The Ivy
 - Union Square Cafe
 - The Jules Verne Restaurant
 - The Fat Duck
 - C Restaurant
 - Bras
 - El Bulli
 - Acorn House
 - Arzak
 - Asador Etxebarri
 - Bukhara
 - Can Fabes
 - Charlie Trotter's
 - Chef's Table At Claridge's
 - Chez Panisse
 - Comme Chez Soi
 - Craft
 - D.O.M
 - Daniel
 - El Olivo
 - Enoteca Pinchiorri
 - Gambero Rosso
 - Gold
 - Grill Royal
 - Hakkasan
 - Hof Van Cleve
 - Hélène Darroze
 - Ithaa Underwater Restaurant
 - L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
 - La Colombe
 - Le Gavroche
 - Le Manoir au Quat’ Saisons
 - Le Meurice
 - L’Arpege
 - Masa
 - Mugaritz
 - Noma
 - Oaxen Skargardskrog
 - Oud Sluis
 - Per Se
 - Pierre Gagnaire
 - Rockpool
 - The River Cafe
 - Tom Aikens
 - Troisgros

Click here to join or sign in